Dragon Marked: The Legend of the Flame by Kara Knightlee

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kara Knightlee makes a confident and polished debut into the Epic Fantasy / Romantasy genre with this exceptional, superlative book.

From the ashes of a dying world rises a legend — and Dragon Marked is nothing short of breathtaking. This is fantasy at its most alive: a symphony of molten prose, heart-wrenching romance, and dragons that don’t just soar off the page — they sear your soul.

From the very first page, Dragon Marked: The Legend of the Flame ensnares you in its world of smoldering magic and unforgettable characters. This is the kind of book that doesn't just tell a story—it brands itself upon your soul with prose as sharp as dragon talons and as luminous as Heartfire.

It’s Unputdownable:

🔥 A HEROINE WHO BURNS BRIGHT

Aura Caelanth isn’t just a warrior—she’s a conflagration. Her journey from survivor to living myth is raw, real, and radiant. When she touches the Flameroot Tree and whispers "I come for remembrance," you’ll feel it in your bones.

 

🐉 DRAGONS LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN THEM

Ashari’s return is the most transcendent dragon resurrection in modern fantasy. Her bond with Aura isn’t magic—it’s memory made flesh. Scales like starlight, wings that rewrite the sky—this is how dragons were meant to be written.

Ashari's return is a revelation – a moment of such mythic grandeur that it lifts the entire story into the realm of timeless legend. The bond between dragon and marked one has never felt more sacred or more devastatingly beautiful.

Ashari didn’t just return to Emberfall—she crashed into my soul and built a nest.

 

💔 A LOVE THAT CUTS DEEPER THAN BLADES

Kaelen Ravaryn is a triumph of tragic allure. Their romance is a blade balanced on the edge of betrayal— it's a riptide of longing and secrets that will leave you gasping. Every glance, every scar, every unspoken truth hurts so good.

Kaelen and Aura's love story is a masterpiece of tension and tenderness. Their connection burns with the heat of a forge and cuts with the precision of a blade. Every stolen glance, every aching separation, every moment of vulnerability is pure narrative alchemy.

🔥🤫💘 A breathless, private inferno of want and wonder. 

Every intimate scene between Kaelen and Aura is visceral passion and totally swoon-worthy.

 

⚔️ 🎭⚫ MYSTERIOUS VILLAINS THAT CREATE DREAD

The mysterious but dreadful Void (the physics of unmaking), the Shadebound (the turned Flametouched) and the Shadow Soldiers. Chilling perfection.

 

✨🗡️🔥🐎🤣⚔️🕶️AWESOME CAST OF SECONDARY CHARACTERS including 

• Magnetic Rewa: A mentor with hidden storms beneath her calm. Her whispered "Ealá, Aura" carries the weight of centuries—and that final dagger scene? Iconic

• Skyburst: The MVP (Most Valuable Pegasus-Dragon?). Her sassy huffs and soul-deep bond with Aura prove love needs no words—just side-eye and shared courage.

• Irrepressible Elin with her sassy comments—pure gold.

• Enigmatic Selyra and her eerie ways—chilling.

• Sharp-tongued Teyne—and her casual insults hiding a devastating truth—shock reveal

• the whole friends' group (Bran, Derran, Saela, Mira, Vess, Corren and Kye) are beautifully defined. Each one shines and is crafted with care. Their toast to Aura’s Dragon Mark ("Looks like we’ve got ourselves a dragon-caller!") is pure found-family gold—equal parts humor and fierce loyalty.

Also, a quick nod to: 

• 🕶️ Commander Vael ⚔️🌑 (A man or a ghost? — "I’ve seen centuries. You’re special. Don’t make me say it.")

• The Akmuo stone 🪨💬 ("I witnessed the first flame. Your angst is cute.")

🌀✨👤Plots twists and unexpected, breathtaking character arcs.

⚔️💥🎬👀Stunningly written fight sequences that you can actually see. 

Dragon Marked has an engrossing story, an immersive world, careful world-building, unforgettable characters, dramatic plot twists, cinematic fights, lush writing and a beautiful (but ultimately devastating + cliffhanging) romance. 

Dragon Marked: The Legend of the Flame isn’t just a book—it’s a living flame. It grips you with the fury of a dragon’s roar and the tenderness of a whispered vow. 

This one has everything I ever wanted in a lesbian fantasy book 

• The emotional depth of The Priory of the Orange Tree
• The fiery romance of Fourth Wing
• The mythic grandeur of The Jasmine Throne

I 💓 this book so hard.

Also, it has one of the most stunning covers I've seen.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#bookrecommendations #BookLovers #bookworm #bookrecs #bookreader #bookrelease #newbookrelease #newbookreleasealert #fantasy #fantasybookrecs #fantasybookstagram #bookstagram #BookTalk #NewFantasyRelease #Romantic #romance #romantasyreads #romantasybookrecs #reading #readerscommunity #fantasyseries #fantasybooks #epicfan

#fantasyseries #fantasy #yafantasy #sorcery #fantasybookseries #youngadultfantasy  #highadventure #medievalfantasy #fantasyreads #epicfantasybooks #youngadultbook #dragons #DragonRider #dragonriders #kindleunlimitedreaders #kindleunlimitedreads #KindleUnlimited #kindleunlimitedbooks #kindlebooks #kindlereads #freeonKU #freeonKindleUnlimted #bestbooks #bestfantasyreads #bestfantasybooks #mustread #bookrecommendations #BookLovers #bookworm #bookrecs #bookreader #bookrelease #newbookrelease #newbookreleasealert #fantasy #fantasybookrecs #fantasybookstagram #bookstagram #BookTalk #NewFantasyRelease #Romantic #romance #romantasyreads #romantasybookrecs #reading #readerscommunity #fantasyseries #fantasybooks #epicfantasyseries #fantasy #yafantasy #sorcery #fantasybookseries #youngadultfantasy  #highadventure #medievalfantasy #fantasyreads #epicfantasybooks #youngadultbook #dragons #DragonRider #dragonriders #kindleunlimitedreaders #kindleunlimitedreads #KindleUnlimited #kindleunlimitedbooks #kindlebooks #kindlereads #bookrecommendations #BookLovers #bookworm #bookrecs #bookreader #bookrelease #newbookrelease #newbookreleasealert #fantasy #fantasybookrecs #fantasybookstagram #bookstagram #BookTalk #NewFantasyRelease #Romantic #romance #romantasyreads #romantasybookrecs #reading #readerscommunity #fantasyseries #fantasybooks #epicfantasyseries #fantasy #yafantasy #sorcery #fantasybookseries #youngadultfantasy  #highadventure #medievalfantasy #fantasyreads #epicfantasybooks #youngadultbook #dragons #DragonRider #dragonriders #kindleunlimitedreaders #kindleunlimitedreads #KindleUnlimited #kindleunlimitedbooks #kindlebooks #kindlereads #rebeccayarros #sarahmaas #sarahjmaas #fourthwing #ironflame #onyxstorm #empyrean #empyreanseries #ACOTAR #acotar #acourtofthornesandroses

 

Actually Romantic by Sarah Sanders

 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If I had to put a trope label on this one, it could possibly be opposites attract. But this book isn’t a trope. Sarah Sanders’ Actually Romantic is a breath of fresh, brilliantly organized air. This is not just a love story; it is a beautifully observed and sometimes hilarious character study about how love finds us not in spite of who we are, but because of it.

We meet Shelly Cobalt, a game designer whose world is a meticulously calibrated system of routines, parameters, and data points. She approaches the problem of finding a life partner with the same analytical precision she applies to her code, creating a disastrously clinical “Significant Interactions” plan. Her journey is upended when she meets Maple, the vibrant, chaotic, and endlessly charming owner of a local café called Sip Happens. Maple is everything Shelly’s plan didn’t account for: spontaneous, emotionally intuitive, and utterly irresistible.

The relationship between the two is heart of the book. Shelly, with her hyper-logical, algorithmic approach to life, is the kind of character who could easily have been reduced to a stereotype in the wrong hands. But Sanders crafts her with nuance, showing both her vulnerabilities and her strengths, making her oddly relatable. Maple, on the other hand, bursts off the page with warmth, spontaneity, and an infectious laughter that feels like sunshine. Together, they’re an irresistible contrast: logic meets chaos, structure meets colour. Their romance unfolds with wit and sensuality, but also with the kind of small domestic details—windchimes, shared meals, inside jokes—that make it feel lived-in rather than fabricated.

Sanders’ genius lies in her deep commitment to her protagonist’s voice. Shelly’s internal monologue, filled with “internal logs” and clinical observations, is consistently hilarious and unexpectedly poignant. Her gradual transformation from a woman who measures her coffee to the exact gram to one who learns to appreciate “soft entropy” is written with extraordinary sensitivity and wit. The romance that develops is not about changing Shelly, but about expanding her world to include warmth, colour, and the beautiful unpredictability of human connection.

Maple is the perfect foil—not as a manic pixie dream girl, but as a fully realized, patient, and understanding partner who sees the wonderful woman behind the systems. Their chemistry is palpable, and their interactions range from laugh-out-loud funny to deeply tender. A scene where Shelly arrives at a chaotic family birthday party armed with a colour-calibrated bouquet and a metaphoric spreadsheet is a particular standout, showcasing Sanders’s ability to balance humour with genuine heart.

The tenderness with which the intimacy is written is breathtaking. Shelly’s overwhelm when they become physically close, Maples loving encouragement and guidance. I’m blown by how beautifully that is handled. I could probably write another full review on just the unspoken subtext in that scene.

Actually Romantic manages to be both clever and deeply heartfelt at the same time. Sarah Sanders has written a romance that doesn’t just coast on chemistry—it builds an entire world of connection, humour, and tenderness that is refreshingly real.

What I loved most is how the novel balances humour with tenderness. The dinner scene with Shelly’s parents, for example, is written with such understated charm, while the playful epilogue is laugh-out-loud funny yet deeply romantic. Sanders never forgets that real love is equal parts passion and partnership, and she gives us both in abundance.

Actually Romantic is a smart, sophisticated, and deeply satisfying romance. It is a celebration of neurodiversity, the power of stepping outside your comfort zone, and the idea that the best things in life—especially love—can’t be planned for.

Sarah Sanders hasn’t just written a love story; she’s crafted a modern classic about finding your perfect match in the most imperfect, illogical, and wonderful way possible. This is a must-read for anyone who believes that the right person doesn’t complete you—they help you become a more complete version of yourself. This book is for anyone who wants a romance that’s genuinely romantic—messy, funny, awkward, tender, and yes, actually romantic. Highly recommended.

Also, the cover—absolutely beautiful and so meaningful to the story.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Champagne Kisses by MJ Duncan

 

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

The author says this is a trope filled book —14, as per her. But this book is all the tropes done beautifully right. This book is pure romantic escapism in the best possible way — the kind of story that sweeps you up from the very first page and draws you in further with every page.

Aubrey Gill rolls into Whistler for her cousin's New Year's Eve wedding. She's not particularly looking forward to it since she's had a recent break up (but isn't particularly heartbroken) and single. She's not told anyone, so she'd pretty much dreading questions around her single status. 

Enter Beau Demers, Aubrey literally runs into Beau and there's a classic coffee drop moment. (Not a trope, but could probably be counted as one... since it's such a favourite amongst romance writers. Maybe coffee-shop and coffee-spill should be counted as tropes).

Beau Demers is charming; a burst of sunshine with irresistible warmth and sincerity. 

There's instant connection and somehow, Beau becomes Aubrey's fake date for the wedding. 

Through the pre-wedding shenanigans, Beau proceeds to capture everyone's hearts. 

I particularly loved Sam's dialogue about Beau... the one where she says, "It's a good ting you don't have Beau's game..."

The chemistry between Aubrey is crackling and ever present. Loved that. 

There is no angst but excellent pace. 

Aubrey Gill and Beau Demers are superb individually and irresistible together. 

This is a total romantic's romance. *chef's kiss*

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Tapout by Nicole Disney

 

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

I've been unusually remiss in neglecting to write a review of The Cinch by Nicole Disney, which is one of my all time favourite books. It's set against the background of the brutal MMA world, but the romance is just so wonderful in that. Really my bad in not writing the review for that one earlier.

The cover of Tapout indicated the same world so it was an immediate got-to-read for me. And it doesn't disappoint. It delivers a powerful one-two punch of raw, visceral energy and tender emotional depth. Writing the romance, the realness of the MCs, their chemistry and connection is Disney's superpower. 

It starts with a dramatic fight sequence in which Laila Moretti is massacred in her UFC attempt. And she as good as gives up. She's pretty much at the rock bottom, when her friend, Vic, drags her to an illegal, underground fight at the Yard. There she meets Harlow, the organiser of the event. 

The undeniable, electric attraction between them is portrayed with a potent blend of tension and tenderness, making every interaction crackle with possibility. 

Laila’s struggle is about physical recovery and the psychological battle of rebuilding a shattered identity. Harlow is a force of nature—all sharp edges and ruthless ambition, yet the braver of the two in sharing her vulnerabilities... the reason why she does what she does, despite the risks.

The world of underground fighting is gritty and edged with danger. While the detailed fights may not be everyone's cup of tea (they are written is rather explicit detail, given Disney's own background in the field), they are pretty much the driver of the psychological shift in Laila. (An aside: I couldn't quite 'see' either the mechanics of the fights or the actual physical movement. But I guess that's on me, not the author.)

Between the two, Harlow's humanness, humaneness, depth and care constantly more visible. She is the one staking much more into the relationship. Laila's emotions and actions are pretty immature and self-centered. It somehow works, because of the charactisations: Harlow's love language is taking care of others while sacrificing herself. Laila's love language is being belligerent and expecting open arms, all the same. 

Tapout  excels in interpersonal relationships, not just between the MCs, but with every other secondary and minor character. That's what makes it a compelling read.

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

My Heart is Beating for You by særling

 

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆★

This is a completely unique idea inasmuch the writer særling is also a singer/musician and has written this novella based on her song My Heart is Beating for You.

The story follows Elena, a literature professor in a small coastal town, whose life is defined by the aching absence of Leah, a wandering musician. The narrative weaves between the present, where Elena moves through her days in a haze of quiet grief, and the past, where we witness the electric, soul-deep connection that blossomed between her and Leah. 

The writing is competent, and even lyrical in places. In less than a hundred pages, særling writes a complete story — a first meeting, attraction and sparks, building memories together, physical intimacy, parting, distance, longing and aching, and a final reunion — engagingly and engrossingly. 

This isn’t a loud, drama-packed romance. It’s softer, more poetic. There's an emotional honesty in both MCs and særling effectively writes with affection. 

But what truly raises this novella from a four plus to a 5+, is the 5+ rating for the song. The song My Heart is Beating for You is haunting, sensual and sensuous — reminiscent of One Night  by The Corrs (an all-time personal favourite).

This is a quick, flowing read. Plus, the song is outstanding. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆★

Learning Curves by Rachel Lacey

 

⭐⭐⭐★

Learning Curves is an age-gap romance that is involving enough to complete. I mention this, because, sadly, more and more books by established authors are not particularly satisfying.

Audrey Lind, 30 is a fresh recruit to teach in her alma mater, Northshire University. She’s excited positive and eager to make an impression so that her temporary position is converted to a permanent one. It’s also the place where she had experience her first female crush on…

Dr. Michelle Thompson, mid-forties and Audrey’s first female crush. She’s no longer the passionate teacher who had made Audrey want to pursue a career in academics. Generally disliked by both colleagues and student, she seems to be just living in countdown mode.

Audrey’s excited to have a new dynamic with Dr. Michelle Thompson, but the latter is, if not an ice-queen, at least a frigid water queen. The unrelenting rudeness could’ve made Michelle an easily dislikeable person — the type that usually makes me wonder why the other MC is making all that effort. However, Lacey develops Michelle with enough care, that she’d not really all that bad. Both the MCs are well-enough characterized, but Michelle is drawn with much more sympathy.

The growth or their relationship and chemistry is very nicely handled.

That said, there are some utterly banal scenes and conversations between the leads, with side characters and even some random cameos that do nothing for plot development, character development or to even add texture to their world. They just exist — most likely to make word count.

What stands out most is the open and constant communication between the leads. There’s a refreshing lack of angst or unnecessary conflict; instead, the focus is on two women finding the courage to pursue what they want and deserve, both in love and in life — together.

The most interesting part of the book was learning about Women in Art. So many overwhelming stories. Michelle has the right idea about writing books about them — each of those artists deserve more, much more, recognition.

A gripe about the cover, though: it doesn’t capture either of the characters. At all. And also kind of sets it to be a romcom — which it isn't.

It’s a story of new beginnings, the joy of embracing who you are and courage to rock the boat enough to make scary changes. It’s not a book that tries to reinvent the wheel, but it delivers a nice easy-read romance.

⭐⭐⭐★

The Paradise Charade by T.B. Markinson and Miranda MacLeod

 

⭐⭐⭐

Markinson and MacLeod are solid authors with a huge number of books to their credit. So you can be assured that their books are mostly fine — 'mostly' and 'fine' are the key words.

This one is a one-night-stand-to-forever story. While helping her to shift, still-closeted Savannah Strauss becomes an involuntary and unwilling witness to an especially cruel break-up engineered by her cousin. At that same time, she also finds a flyer to a lesbian gig and quietly attends. She has an unforgettable one-night-stand — with a woman who turns out to be the one her cousin broke up with — Brooklyn Mathers.

Seven years thence, Savannah is a school teacher. Brooklyn is a management consultant trying to land a client who is her hope for keeping her fledgling company alive. For reasons (best read in the book itself) Brooklyn seeks Savannah out for help. Savannah agrees and the charade spirals and takes shape of something far more complicated.

The main leads are likeable enough, chemistry's good, the conversations are fine, the island backdrop gives the story an escapist glow. On the other hand, The Paradise Charade doesn’t always rise above its predictability. The fake-dating premise, though fun, unfolds along a path that feels easy to anticipate, leaving little surprise in how events develop. The story entertains but rarely challenges or complicates the tropes it plays with. There is some real vulnerability, ensuring the relationship develops beyond surface-level attraction and long-held idealization.

What I liked the most is that it steered clear of the forced misunderstanding/break-up third act. It wasn't necessary in this and thankfully, the authors left it out too. 

This book succeeds as a cheerful distraction. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, the novel delivers exactly what it promises: a feel-good romance with with steady pacing.

Standout part of this book: Emoji texts from Savannah's mom. They truly shone.

About the cover: It's so generic that I can easily be used on any book that has a tropical holiday in it.

⭐⭐⭐

Forever & Always by Sarah Sanders

 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review-lite

…because…short, sweet, quick read

• Very, very appealing MCs
• Super-cute relationship
• No angst
• Likeable supporting cast in brief appearances
• Fun dialogues
• Good humour
• Amongst the prettiest covers ever
• Appearance (very, very brief) by Sonja Romanov (heart eyes) from Delicate

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wildest Dreams by Sarah Sanders

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review-lite

…because…

• Sizzling sex
• Madly appealing MCs
• Great chemistry
• Lovely relationship
• Bonus: a brief appearance of one of our character-loves: Radhika from Jump then Fall

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  

      

Too Good to be True by Leigh Hays

 

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

This is an age-gap romance, but that description doesn’t do justice to the depth of characterisation and the wonderfully built relationship contained within. 

Madison Hewitt (28) is a social worker. Jen Winslow (42) is a rain-maker in her profession of fundraising. The two run into one another at a wedding and there are sparks between them – more like a flame. Though neither of them is a one-night-stand kind of person, they do end up in bed together. Jen leaves the next morning before Madison wakes, but leaves a note with her number, which Madison throws away. Madison has been pretty much devasted – personally and professionally – by the last woman she was involved with and circumstantially, it looks like Jen is in almost exactly the same situation as Madison’s ex.

But Madison and Jen meet again is a loosely formal work situation. Madison is the social worker in the school that Jen’s son attends. When Madison puts forward a food security proposal, the principal asks Jen to help with the fundraising. It is an awkward situation especially since the draw between them only keeps growing stronger. 

Madison and Jen are wonderfully drawn and given depths, dimensions, backstories and maturity. The chemistry between them is electric (good sexy times too) and the way their relationship is developed simply rocks. In fact, it is so well done that we actually slowed down our reading to savour their feelings and experience our emotions in response to their relationship. 

Both women are struggling with the impact that their pasts have had on them and truly working to deal with that so that they can somehow be together and see where their relationship goes. There is some angst which develops organically in the natural course of their interaction and completely based on all the baggage that they are carrying individually. 

Admittedly the first half flows smoother and faster, but that is because it is the relationship-building stage. That bit always seems to be easier to write and make more immersive. The second half is also strong and we loved the way Madison and Jen deal with their own shortfalls. This ranks with Breathless by Sarah Sanders, Temptation by Kris Bryant, The X Ingredient by Roslyn Sinclair, Kiss the Girl by Melissa Brayden, Jump Then Fall by Sarah Sanders, Off Balance by L.E. Royal and Finding Jessica Lambert by Clare Ashton (amongst others) in our list of excellent age gap romances.

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

The Holiday Treatment by Elle Spencer

 

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

This is a light, fluffy, feel-good, delightfully cheesy romcom. 

Holly (Holiday – yes, that’s her name. isn’t it terribly cute?) is the writer of super-successful Christmas romances set in the fictional town, Evermore, for Wifetime Channel. While her movies are madly popular. Holly’s dearest wish is to write a gay Christmas romance. Something that she’d have liked t see while growing up. Her idea is shot down repeatedly and she’s determined not to sign up for a new Evermore romance unless she can also get the greenlight for her gay romance.

Despite writing the popular Christmas romances, Holly personally is not into the holiday. She prefers to spend it by herself in Hawaii each year. Serendipitously, this time, her office crush, Meredith Drake is also in Hawaii, in the same resort at the same time. Meredith was supposed to be hosting a bachelorette for her sister who has seemingly flaked out and informed everyone else in the party, sans Meredith. 

Holly and Meredith spend time together and have what could be a holiday fling. Except it isn’t with Meredith asking to date Holly when they get back to their real life. Holly is more than happy to agree. 

But things aren’t smooth sailing for the couple when they return. Meredith is promoted and has to adhere to newly put-in-place strict workplace relationships. 

This is assuredly a romance with romance being the driver of the story. However, it reads like Holly’s story. Meredith has probably as much page time as Holly’s quirky group of friends. So it’s safe to say that this is a story around one central character, Holly. And Holly is undoubtedly a delightful central character. She is utterly and completely adorable. Meredith, as a foil romantic interest is also quite charming. The assorted supporting characters are also totally fun. 

There is some angst, but it doesn’t weigh down the light, peppy proceedings of the narrative. We absolutely love the unexpected celebrity status Holly has in her hometown and having a day named after her – the cherry on top of the cheesiness!

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

New Girl on the Street by Donna Jay

 

⭐⭐⭐★

Do you ever really get over your first crush/love? Most second chances romances agree that you don’t really get over them completely. As does this one. 

Lisa Barnett is an electrician. In the past she was given a hard time in school for being gay plus she is quite the butch. It also just so happened that the hottest girl in high school and an intrinsic part of the popular group, Bella McBride, was a closeted lesbian who had a flaming relationship with Lisa till they were caught by her friends. Soon after that, Bella disappeared from town and Lisa was left to handle the hate by herself. 

Fate conspires to bring Bella, more gorgeous than ever, back in town. Not only back in town but as Lisa’s next door neighbour. Bella, with a wedding bank and men’s shoes lying in a prominently visible place, seems to be married. She is also mysterious inasmuch she hauls two seemingly heavy suitcases out late at night, returns back even later, immediately puts cleaning materials in her car and varooms off early next morning. Naturally, Lisa’s interest in piqued not only because it is Bella, but also, just what the heel is she up to?

Bella makes no bones about her interest in Lisa which Lisa tries to fight off. But what is meant to be is just meant to be. 

We liked Lisa and total adored Bella. The first half of the book, till the two got together, flowed extremely well. After that, Jay addresses past issues (with the homophobic friends), coming out to parents and a frankly unnecessary detour with two of Lisa’s exes (one her current best friend) and their dynamic but it felt like absolutely nothing of consequence was happening in the book. 

Plenty of sex in this one. BDSM. We are somehow not wired to understand the dome-sub dynamic. We are completely unable to see it as an equal relationship. However, we admit that out of the bedroom, Bella is not at all sub. So not seeing the relationship because it is coloured by the dome-sub relationship is purely our bad. 

We also fail to get the turn-on factor in SM. How does spanking till a person is crying make for good sex? Again, this one is entirely on us because we’re not wired that way. 

We found Alice, a wannbe full time sub carrying a torch for Lisa despite being with someone else, a rather tragic character. She is coloured bad in the narrative, but she is someone we just felt bad for particularly since she is diagnosed bipolar. In fact, right from her first appearance, we felt deep sympathy for her. Wish she wasn’t there in the book or at least she had been given better characterisation and story. 

But, this above all, hot sex. 

Recommended for readers not squeamish about various degrees (albeit on the milder to medium levels) of BDSM and fans of the butch-femme pairing.

⭐⭐⭐★

One More Chance by Ali Vali

 

⭐⭐

Review-lite

…because…this is a refurbished fanfic first published in mid-2000s

• Xena fanfic How Do You Mend a Broken Heart published by Vali in 2005, dusted and padded up for word count by the author and publisher
• Refurbished, but still feels unpolished
• A sequel to this story also exists – All it Took Was You – maybe that will also make an appearance as a novel sometime
• We’re so extremely uncomfortable with super-butch characters who seem to secretly want to be men (case to point: in this book the Xena character, Harry, is called ‘Uncle Harry’ by a kid) 
• Characterisations and storyline pretty clichéd and slightly over the top – as was he norm with Xena fanfic
• This is not bad but then, it’s not wow either

⭐⭐

Must Love Silence by Lucy Bexley

 

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Misanthropic Reese Walker hasn’t left her apartment for 272 days. Her job as an audio book narrator of lesbian romances (mostly) allows her to work from home and that suits her just fine. Her biggest problem is her aggressively nice and kind neighbour, Judith. Her entire social life consists of her sister, lo, who is currently in rehab for alcoholism, and an old friend, David. 

When she is forced to answer an unexpected and unwelcome knock on her door, she receives a bill from the rehab of a large amount of money. Fiercely protective, Reese knows she needs to somehow raise the money for Lo. Via David she receives and offer to read a book that may just help her earn the required money. The catch is that she needs to leave her house and record it in a studio in New York under the supervision of the author, Arden Abbot.

Hot, sexy, successful Arden turns out to be something of a micromanager picking on Reese’s pronunciations of words like ‘Sarah’ and ‘and’. Reese is neither happy with Arden’s ‘helpful’ suggestions nor with the fact that Arden is impossibly sweet and attractive. Reese mentally rages against Arden till she realises that Arden is fighting battles of her own. 

The story is narrated entirely from Reese’s point of view so we are privy to all her thoughts, feelings and emotions. She is not awfully likeable or dislikeable. Mainly, she is funny in her extreme reactions to ‘people’ and ‘outside’. At some point, we also realise that besides being misanthropic, Reese is also an introvert and cannot handle being around people too much. 

Arden is a lovely, lovely lady. In fact, the whole relationship growth between Arden and Reese is skewed in the beginning with Arden making all the effort in both, their professional and personal interactions. 

These are two women dealing with their own demons and trying to handle their own imperfections while making the effort to grow and let another person in. That is so heartwarming. We loved that the conflict is totally organic and completely in keeping with the characterisations. It is a situation where, very interestingly, both are right in their actions and expectations and both are wrong in dealing with the other.  

But what really makes this book a highly engaging read is the humour. The writing is awesome (though there are a few regrettable typos – but nothing too bad). 

This one is a perfectly lovely read with a cast full of likeable characters.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Mutual Benefits by HP Munroe

 

⭐⭐⭐⭐★

Hannah Melville has always felt like the odd one out in her family. While the rest of her family (parents, twin siblings – sister and brother) are all into science one way or another, Hannah is a dress designer. She is successful enough but still feels defensive. As the oldest child, she’s also been something of a conformist and is chafing a bit under always being responsible and predictable. At a family dinner with her parents, when her mother turns the conversation towards Hannah’s love life – again, she decides rock the boat and announces she is gay. Only, instead of the shock and negative reaction that she anticipated her parents celebrate her “coming out” saying they suspected it all along. And the next thing Hannah knows is that her mother has set her up on a blind date – with a woman. 

Ashley West is a firefighter – a hot firefighter. She is out but not interested in a relationship. She’s been rather badly burnt by a relationship in the past with a girl who claimed to be straight but also insisted she loved Ashley. The ex could never come to terms with her own sexuality and Ashley suffered greatly in the situation. Now Ashley is not ready for a relationship and definitely more than a little leery about having anything to do with straight girls and their experimentation. 

But Hannah is the exact opposite of Ashley’s ex. Ashley’s ex claimed to be straight while having an affair with Ashley and Hannah is out as gay to the world and insists she is straight in private.

To keep their mothers of their backs, Hannah and Ashley agree to pretend to be in a relationship for the world.

Hannah and Ashley are both extremely appealing. The dialogue is sharp and the relationship is really sweet. Munroe takes time in developing the relationship over a period of time and offers plenty of insight into both, Hannah’s and Ashley’s minds and emotions. We loved their interaction, their banter, their caring for each other and the whole relationship.

The secondary characters provide excellent context and are all extremely likeable. We loved the little scene where Hannah’s best friend points out that Hannah hasn’t really been seeing or appreciating the support she receives from her parents and sister because she is so busy feeling like she doesn’t belong. This is absolutely true – completely missing out what is there because you’ve decided something and colour everything with the strokes of that prejudice. 

This is a delightful romcom with great humour and a decent dose of emotions in which everything (including justifiable not-forced-or-drawn-out conflict) just right. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐★

Twice Shy by Aurora Rey, Narrated by Keira Grace (Audiobook)

 

⭐⭐⭐★

Amanda Russo, owner of Bake My Day, is a successful businesswoman on her way to expanding her popular bakery. She’d just bought the space next door and meets with the architect, Quinn Sullivan, to discuss her vision. 

Amanda and Quinn are both divorced women. Amanda’s ex, Mel, cheated on her and left her and their two kids (now teenagers). Ditto Quinn. Neither of them is particularly looking to get into another relationship despites friends and family egging them to at least date and put themselves out there, maybe just a little. 

On an overnight visit to see her daughter’s recital, Amanda ends up sleeping with Mel, who is in the process of ending things with her new wife (because new wife wants kids and Mel doesn’t). And then they sleep together again. And then the fix up a date for which Mel doesn’t turn up. 

Quinn is attracted to Amanda right away but being somewhat shy and insecure doesn’t particularly do anything about it. But soon they do end up spending time together and their relationship develops. 

So, the synopsis is sketchy considering that there is a lot of presence of Amanda’s children and Mel in this book. Also, the relationship between Amanda and Quinn is developed at an unhurried and convincing pace. The two ladies are very well-developed characters and we really get to know them well. Plus, couple of smoking hot sex scenes. 

But there are a couple of things that weren’t particularly understandable. First, Amanda repeatedly sleeping with Mel and agreeing to meet her for a date all the while loudly protesting that she doesn’t want them to get back together. Didn’t compute. (For the record, Mel seems to be a jerk with her wives. But a mom she seems to have a good relationship with the kids and also seems to be someone the children can count on in times of emergency.) 

The second thing we didn’t quite get was – why exactly did Quinn want a break? Mel made a grand gesture that Amanda rejected. Amanda goes to Quinn post that fiasco…and Quinn asks for space? Huh? There’s lots of mature dialogue but we like are romances to be, well, romantic. More feeling, less thought. 

Keira Grace has a lovely voice and does a great job with the nine-plus hours. But there were times when we wished we’d read the book instead of listening to it – we’d have like to hear voices, intonations and emotions from our imagination in this one. We’d probably have got more involved into it them. Guess we are hardcore readers, after all.

⭐⭐⭐★

It's in Her Kiss by Rachel Lacey

 

⭐⭐⭐⭐★

Sophie Rindell and Julia Vega are struggling Broadway actresses. They meet while auditioning for the same role. The role is of the leading lady, Bianca, a dream for both of them. After the audition, Sophie invites Jules to hang out with her and her friends and Jules accepts.

Sophie is out and undeniably attracted to Jules. Jules is curious but hasn't taken any action on her possible attraction towards woman. 

Both get a call back, but while Jules is cast as Bianca, Sophie is part of the ensemble and an understudy for the two main leads. As the rehearsals progress, Jules and Sophie's relationship also progresses. But both carry their own baggage that interferes with their relationship.

This book is equally story driven and character driven and really scores high on the characters-driven aspect. Jules and Sophie are complete human beings with positives and negatives. With ambitions and fears. With hopes and dreams. With multiple aspects and dimensions. 

Lacey does a brilliant job with keeping all actions of each of them in the perfect trajectory of their character. All their actions are understandable since we get to know their drivers so well.

Jules, with her softness, vulnerability and awareness is a tad higher on the appealing quotient. Even when she messes up due to being in the closet, she is quick to realise it and apologise. Sophie is much more confident, a little more aggressive and explicably (because of past experience) self-protective. Yet she reaches beyond her fears and frustrations, which is so admirable.

We were totally drawn into the story and into the characters. This book was a wonderful read and we wholeheartedly recommend it.

⭐⭐⭐⭐★q

Presidential by Lola Keeley

⭐⭐★

This is a rather unabashed retelling (fanfic?) of an old movie. The only difference is that the movie had a heterosexual couple and in this one the president is bisexual.

Emily Lawrence is an environmental lobbyist. In an unscheduled TV appearance, she calls out the incumbent president, Constance (Connie) Calvin on her lack of action on environmental issues. Connie, the first woman president, mother of a 12-year-old, is trying hard to juggle the world and keep it steady. 

We really wish we were inspired or even involved enough by the story to write more of a synopsis for this one, but really there's not much there.

Both the MCs are likeable. There are sweet incidents. But really, there seemed to be better chemistry (of the non-sexual variety) between Emily and Connie's son, Zachary. The one thing really going for the book is that it is well written. And that we really liked Emily.

As a book about the first female president, 46 by Lynn Ames was way better. 

⭐⭐★

Blind Date by Christine L'Amour

⭐

Review-lite

...because there is nothing to it

• Shallow characterisations

• Unconvincing relationship 

• Mediocre writing

• Savannah, a model, is set up on a date by her brother. The date turns out to be with a woman. Kayla, her brother's colleague. Savannah has a great time with Kayla and they meet again. Before she knows it, Savannah is in the midst of a highly sexual relationship with Kayla and then of course, they're I love. A brief conflict, quick resolution; Savannah's career taking off and happily ever after.

• Honestly, why do we even bother reading these formulistic, poorly written books? The only thing going for it is that it is a pocket packet -- so it is short.

⭐

Something Far Away and Happy by Bryce Oakley

⭐⭐⭐

College romance; heartbreak; a decade thence. 

Julia Evans was completely swept away by the dashing Remington Van Der Meer when they were both studying in McManus College. Julia was pre-med and Remington was on her way to join MIT for MBA. Remington asks Julia to go to Boston with her and Julia agrees. As she is packing, Julia receives an email ostensibly from Remington with a link to an article about Remington's engagement to a woman who is definitely not Julia.

Ten years later, Julia is an interior decorator and has been offered a meeting with a hermit-like fresh divorcee living hidden in the mountains to redo their entire house. The meeting was set up by the hermit's assistant, but it is still a big enough job for Julia to make the trip. 

What Julia doesn't expect is that the new divorcee will be her Remington, still as attractive as ever. Or that their chemistry will still be bubbling like a decade back. Or that Remington feels that Julia had cheated on her all those years back.

Julia and Remington are both nice enough. We liked Julia more between the two, though there's a lot of sweetness in Remington too. The whole past break up was a tad too convoluted. We were rather disappointed with the lack of any real moving angst about the past in both when they first re-meet. The fact they don't address the past immediately was also surprising.

We always want to like Bryce Oakley's books more than we actually do. We're usually let down and left feeling that the relationships she writes don't have depth and that emotions are not fully developed. Everything falls just a little short for us.

This is a middling book with a couple of fun dialogues, a couple of fairly good sex scenes, fairly likeable MCs and maybe a couple of good supporting characters.

⭐⭐⭐